A listing of all new laws scheduled to go into effect on January 1, continues.

Not all measures approved by the General Assembly go into effect on the first of the year. Bills which contain a specific effective date within the language of the measure and bills that carry an “immediate” effective date can go into effect at other times of the year.

The State Senate meets on the third floor of the north side of the Illinois State Capitol.

However, January 1 is the default date for a new law to become effective if there is no specific language specifying when it will become effective.

Under the Illinois Constitution, the legislature must set a “uniform effective date” for laws passed prior to June 1 of a calendar year. That uniform effective date, which is January 1, applies if the legislation does not otherwise specify when the law becomes effective.

A listing of all new laws scheduled to go into effect on January 1, follows.

Not all measures approved by the General Assembly go into effect on the first of the year. Bills which contain a specific effective date within the language of the measure and bills that carry an “immediate” effective date can go into effect at other times of the year.

However, January 1 is the default date for a new law to become effective if there is no specific language specifying when it will become effective.

Under the Illinois Constitution, the legislature must set a “uniform effective date” for laws passed prior to June 1 of a calendar year. That uniform effective date, which is January 1, applies if the legislation does not otherwise specify when the law becomes effective.

Health and Human Services

DPH Disclosure Requirement Change (SB 1321/PA-0087): Establishes that the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) is no longer required to disclose information on the stages of presentation and the diagnostic and treatment status information from the Prostate and Testicular Cancer Program in the Department’s Annual Report.

Illinois Diabetes Commission Reports (HB 2199/PA 98-0097): Requires the State Diabetes Commission to submit a report to the General Assembly every other year. Would require the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to cooperate with DPH to implement recommendations from the committee report.

Medical Marijuana (HB 1/PA 98-0122): Establishes the “Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.”  The Act authorizes a registered qualifying patient who has been issued a registry identification card by the Department of Public Health to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis during a 14 day period.  A patient may not possess more than 2.5 ounces at any one time.

Opponents pointed out that no local, state or federal law enforcement supported the measure; that the legislation conflicts with federal law; and that marijuana’s role as a gateway drug is well documented.

The bill establishes distributing criteria for cultivation centers and requires them to be registered by the Department of Agriculture.  The Department of Agriculture may approve up to 22 licensed marijuana growers, but no more than one per State Police District.  Stipulates that cultivation centers may only provide medical cannabis to dispensing organizations whose purpose is to dispense cannabis and paraphernalia to qualified patients.

Dispensing organizations are to be registered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).  IDFPR may approve up to 60 dispensaries.  Specifies certain qualifying diseases and illnesses, but does not include a general eligibility for chronic pain or nausea.  Provides framework for employer regulation and discipline for use of cannabis in the workplace, and outlines that a patient may not drive while under the influence of medical cannabis.  Creates a new provision allowing for field sobriety tests to be administered and admissible in court.

Prisoners and Medicaid (HB 1046/PA 98-0139): Authorizes prisoners to apply for medical assistance at any time prior to their scheduled release (rather than 30 days). One reason for this is to assure that when prisoners are released and become eligible to receive Medicaid, the state qualifies for the maximum available federal match.

Dental Assistant Anesthetic Administration (SB 1217/PA 98-0147): Allows dental assistants to monitor nitrous oxide and general anesthetic.  A dentist may supervise a maximum of four dental assistants at a time for the monitoring of nitrous oxide.

Advanced Practice Nursing (HB 1052/PA 98-0192): Provides an advanced practice nurse shall not be prohibited from providing primary health care or treatment within the scope of his or her training and experience. This language provides more flexibility and access to advanced practice nurses’ services.